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Understanding Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are abnormal, soft growths in the nose or sinuses. They are swollen bulbs of inflamed tissue, attached to the nasal lining by thin stalks. Nasal polyps are fairly common, especially as you get older.

How polyps affect the sinuses and nasal cavity

The sinuses are a group of air-filled spaces formed by the bones of your face. They connect with the nasal cavity. This is the large space behind your nose. Normally, all of these spaces are fairly open and air flows freely. But nasal polyps can grow and block the space. This can make it hard to breathe through your nose.

Nasal polyps are a result of ongoing (chronic) rhinosinusitis. This is a condition in which the nasal cavity and sinuses are inflamed for 12 weeks or longer. But not all people with this condition will develop nasal polyps.

What causes nasal polyps?

Researchers are still learning about the causes of nasal polyps. Inflammation of your nasal tissue is part of the cause. Nasal polyps are more common in people with health conditions such as:

Asthma

Aspirin sensitivity

Chronic sinus infections

Cystic fibrosis

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Certain genes may also cause nasal polyps to grow. This includes genes that play a role in your immune system and inflammatory response. You may be more likely to develop nasal polyps if other members of your family have had them.

Symptoms of nasal polyps

If you have nasal polyps, you may feel like you have a cold for months or longer. Some of your symptoms may be because of nasal polyps. Others may result from the chronic rhinosinusitis that caused your polyps.

The most common symptoms of nasal polyps include:

Nasal congestion

Runny nose

Feeling of fullness in your facial sinus, but usually not pain

Postnasal drip

Reduced smell

Feeling blocked in your nose and having to breathe through your mouth

Diagnosing nasal polyps

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and symptoms. He or she will look inside your nose with a lighted tool. The polyps may be seen with this simple exam. Your healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist).

Your healthcare provider might need more information about your sinuses and nasal cavity. He or she may want to diagnose the trigger of your polyps, such as allergies. You may need tests such as:

Nasal endoscopy, to look more closely at your inner nose and your sinuses. This is done with a thin, flexible tube with a light on the end. It’s inserted into your nose to give a detailed view of your polyps.

CT scan, if the diagnosis isn’t clear. X-rays pass through your nose and create images that are put together by a computer.

MRI, if needed. This uses strong magnets to create an image of tissues inside your body.

Allergy testing, to diagnose allergies

Tests to diagnose the airflow in the nasal cavity

Polyp biopsy, if needed to rule out cancer. A polyp or small piece of a polyp is removed and checked for cancer cells.